title: Technique for methyl methacrylate cranioplasty to optimize cosmetic outcome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cranioplasty aims to reconstruct skull defects from fractures, decompressive craniectomies, tumors, and congenital anomalies in a cosmetically acceptable manner. We present a technique in methyl methacrylate cranioplasty that gives excellent cosmetic results by maintaining patient's calvarial curvature.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cranioplasty material is placed into a plastic bag and packed inside the defect. Wire mesh cut larger than the defect is held in position to take the exact skull curvature. Once solid, the implant is fixed in position using titanium plates and mini-screws.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is a simple, inexpensive method of achieving the most cosmetically desired cranioplasty results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, 175 N. Medical Drive East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sorour
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Caton
authors.forename: William T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Couldwell
mesh_terms: D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020366:Methylmethacrylate; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012886:Skull / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014025:Titanium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D020366:Methylmethacrylate; D014025:Titanium